Walk The Great Wall Of China

Centuries after its construction, China’s Great Wall remains one of humankind’s engineering marvels. At over 21,000km (13,048 mi) in length, the Wall is a trip in and of itself. You won’t tackle the whole thing on this ten-day trek, but you’ll return home with a deeper understanding of the life that goes on around and […]

Centuries after its construction, China’s Great Wall remains one of humankind’s engineering marvels. At over 21,000km (13,048 mi) in length, the Wall is a trip in and of itself. You won’t tackle the whole thing on this ten-day trek, but you’ll return home with a deeper understanding of the life that goes on around and upon it. The Beijing-to-Beijing route will take you to small villages that have stood for centuries in the shadow of this massive tribute to human will and introduce you to the cuisine, culture and history that make this one of China’s most captivating attractions. The Wall’s been standing for centuries. Isn’t it about time you turned up?

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Beijing

Arrive in Beijing at any time.

Day 2

Beijing (breakfast included)

Discover the history of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square then enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and tea art lesson, where you learn about the benefits of drinking tea and how best to taste it.

Day 3

Mutianya (12km, 5-6 hours, dinner included)

Transfer to the beginning of the walk along the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Mutianyu is one of the best preserved sections of the Wall, and one of the oldest, being originally built as early as the 6th century. Trek between 5-6 hours along the wall today, passing some of the 22 watchtowers that make up this section. On arrival in Xizazi village for the night, there is an included dumpling cooking class.

Day 4

Jiankou (5.5km, 3-4 hours, breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Continuing along the Wall today, the trail starts to change. The granite of Mutianyu gives way to larger, white rocks, and the Wall is less well preserved here. Hiking is more adventurous here, and the spectacular scenery is very rewarding along the way. Take care when hiking as the trek is steeper and there are loose stones underfoot along the way.

Day 5

Gubeikou (6.5km, 4 hours, breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Today starts with a tai chi lesson on the Wall. This ancient martial art is renowned for it’s health benefits and is an ideal way to limber up for a day of walking. Hiking to Gubeikou cross over Wohu pass, where the watchtowers are ruined, and the wall is more broken bricks. Continuing along the wall is Panlongshan, where many of the battles along the wall were fought.

Day 6

Jinshanling (12.5km, 6 hours, breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Hiking along the wall from Gubeikou to Jinshanling. The Wall starts to get more well maintained here, and walking becomes easier along the way. Walk through this rolling landscape and see the watchtowers that disappear over the horizon.

Day 7

Along the way from Jinshanling to Simatai, the watchtowers get closer together, and the wall is in it’s best state of repair. These watchtowers were used to store weapons, and to keep an eye out for invading enemy forces, as this was getting closer to the centre of the Chinese empire. Today starts with another tai chi lesson, before a walk along the wall to Simatai. From here it’s a short transfer to Huangyaguan where we spend the night. Due to circumstances beyond our control, some parts of the Great Wall around Simatai are closed, which may affect the hiking in this area. It may be that the walking on this day varies slightly, although you will still spend the day hiking along the Wall.

Day 8

Huangyaguan/Beijing (breakfast included)

After one more day walking along the Wall, there is time to visit the Qing tombs, burial grounds of the Qing dynasty. From here it’s a short ride back to Beijing.

Day 9

Beijing (breakfast included)

Today is free to explore Beijing. Take a tour of the ancient hutongs (alleyways) in Beijing’s old city. Other options include the Summer Palace or a visit to a Tibetan Monastery.